Wal-Mart Preordered 15 Tesla Tractor-Trailer

At the end of last week, Tesla unveiled its plans to build electric tractor trailers and shortly thereafter other companies started announcing their preorders, including Wal-Mart. The retailer told CNBC it has preordered 15 of the Tesla tractor trailers to determine how well it might be integrated into its supply chain and meet long-term sustainability goals. Of the 15, five will be for Wal-Mart U.S. and the other 10 for Wal-Mart Canada. Wal-Mart's fleet currently consists of about 6000 trucks.

The Tesla tractor trailer is to have a 500-mile range on a single charge and the ability to connect to a fleet management system. It will also allow the driver to stand with the steering wheel in the center of the cab and touchscreens on both sides. It is expected to go into production in 2019.